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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2020
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DENVERPOST.COM
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THE DENVER POST
The most scenic spots to ski or ride in Colorado
The scenery from the top of Aspen Highlands is spectacular, including an earn-your-sight view of Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak, center. Helen H. Richardson, Denver Post file By R. Scott Rappold Special to The Denver Post
In the eternal race for powder turns, fast groomer laps or just family fun on the slopes, skiers and snowboarders often forget to look up and see the forest, not just the trees they’re trying not to ride into. Those views, of course, take in Colorado’s national forests, home to nearly every ski area in the state. Their soaring peaks, verdant valleys and amazing vistas make Colorado one of the prettiest states. And whether it’s up on the lift, at the top of the mountain, or even in town or in the village, every ski area has unique sights and scenic beauty. To remind you to look up — and to snap some ski trip photos that capture the majesty of the Rocky Mountains — we’ve put together a list of some of the most scenic spots in ski country. Stop a moment at any one of them to snap that perfect picture to hang on your wall or make your Instagram followers drool. Of course, if it’s snowing heavily you probably won’t be able to see 20 feet in front of you, much less the mountain vistas, so plan accordingly.
Expert skiers
Top of Blue Sky Basin, Vail If you’ve managed to work your way to remote Blue Sky Basin — several miles from where you left your car — take a break and soak in the views of the Sawatch Mountains to the west, a vision dominated by Mount of the Holy Cross, a famed peak that is hard to see from any road. Union Peak, Copper Mountain The mighty Gore Range dominates the view from the front
side, but as you get higher on the mountain the Rockies unfold before you in every direction. For a 360-degree panorama, take Rendezvous Chair to the Mountain Chief tow rope and take a short hike to the summit. If the hike doesn’t take your breath away, the view might. Highlands Bowl, Aspen Highlands Locals cherish this high-alpine bowl for the skiing, and the fact the grueling hike to get there means it takes much longer to get tracked out. If you’re up for the hike, be sure to take a few minutes to gaze in awe at the sight of the famous Maroon Bells. Plus, you’ll want to step aside to let the locals fly by you as you trudge up the hillside. The hike begins at the top of Deep Temerity and Loge Peak chairs. Parsenn Bowl, Winter Park The upper part of this huge resort is a playground of wide-open tundra, dominated by the view of the Indian Peaks and other Front Range mountains. You’re not far from Denver but it feels like another world. Ride the Panoramic Express Chair to the top of the resort for this unforgettable view. Top of Imperial Express Chair, Breckenridge Billed as the highest chairlift in North America when it opened in 2005, this ride spills you out at 12,840 feet, so high the town looks like a train-set model. Locals debate whether this area has the best skiing — conditions can be windswept and the temperature deadly cold at this elevation — but there’s no doubt it offers the best view on the mountain. You can see most of Summit County and the Front Range mountains from way up here.
Intermediate skiers
Montezuma Bowl, Arapahoe Basin With one of the highest base elevations in Colorado, and an upper mountain ringed on three sides by jagged peaks, A-Basin is a feast for the senses. For the best view, ride to the top of Lenawee Mountain Express chair and take the tow rope to the top of Montezuma Bowl. The mountains of Summit and Eagle counties dominate this amazing vista. While much of this terrain is rated black diamond, stick near the lift on the descent for easier terrain. Ptarmigan Roost, Loveland There are few places at Colorado resorts that offer a place for lunch or a beer with a view like this. Most of the ski area is above timberline, so when it gets too cold and windy and you need a break, take Ptarmigan chair to this alpine outpost, which offers SCENIC » 11
